Nanotechnology General News

The latest news from academia, regulators
research labs and other things of interest

Posted: December 13, 2008

Bangalore declared as the 'Nanocity of India' at the 2nd Bangalore nanotechnology event

(Nanowerk News) The government of Karnataka, on the occasion of 2nd Bangalore Nano 2008 event, in the presence of Shri. M. Hamid Ansari, H.E. Vice President of India, Shri. Rameshwar Thakur, H.E. Governor of Karnataka, Dr. V.S. Acharya, Honourable Home Minister, Government of Karnataka, Prof. C.N.R. Rao, Chairman, Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Government of India and Dr. Ajit Sapre, Group President (Research & Technology), Reliance Industries Ltd today made a solemn proclamation to declare Bangalore as the “Nanocity of India”.

On the occasion, Government of Karnataka promised to take every possible measure to encourage the Research & Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, create opportunities for the commercialization of Nanoscience and facilitate development of small, medium and large scale Industry committed to Nanotechnology. In addition to budgetary support, Karnataka Government has allotted 14 acres of Government land for setting up India's first premier ‘Nano-institute’ – Institute of Nano Science and Technology – in Bangalore. This Centre would be set up under the guidance of JNCASR, with a Rs. 100 crore grant by Government of India from the budgetary provision of Rs. 1000 crore (USD 250 million) for Nano Science and Technology initiative. Further, Karnataka Government is also planning to develop a Nano Park and Incubation Center.

Shri. M. Hamid Ansari, H.E. Vice President of India, said, “It is now globally accepted that Nanotechnology is dramatically changing the face of industry and economy and will be a transformative force in the future of India and the world. The theme of 2nd Bangalore Nano, “Nanotechnology in India’s future”, is timely and relevant. Bangalore Nano has also encouraged budding entrepreneurs with business ideas by bringing them face to face with industry professionals and Venture Capitalists on a common platform to facilitate networking and business interactions. We need more such platforms in the country for various industry and research sectors.”

Shri. Rameshwar Thakur, H.E. Governor of Karnataka, said, “Nanotechnology Industry, currently estimated to be around nine billion dollars globally, has the potential to become a trillion dollar sector in the next decade. If the sector has to take-off, it is necessary that the research companies pass their technology concepts for commercialization. It is in this context that the Research Industry Collaboration Hub (RICH) programme organized at the 2nd Bangalore Nano would be a very fruitful platform for the Industry. Similarly, the YESSS – Young Entrepreneurs Start-ups Soaring Spirits - programme would provide an ideal platform for the young entrepreneurs to interact with the Financial Institutions, Venture Capitalists, Industries etc., and explore opportunities for commercialization and expansion.”

Dr. V.S. Acharya, Honourable Home Minister, Government of Karnataka said, “Karnataka is proud of the spectacular IT and BT growth and Bangalore as the undisputed ‘IT capital of India’. Now, the State has warmly hugged Nanotechnology also. Government of Karnataka has taken a lead in exploring priority areas of Nano Scientific Research and Technology. Karnataka would spare no efforts to foster the growth of Nanotechnology in the State of Karnataka.”

Prof. C.N.R. Rao, Chairman, Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Government of India said, “In the area of Nanotechnology, India is in tune with the world. We would be the leader provided we tap the best young talent, particularly from rural India. Nanotechnology, with its own challenges, promises an exciting future for Karnataka and India.”

Dr. Ajit Sapre, Group President (Research & Technology), Reliance Industries Ltd. said, “Interaction at this conference and subsequent collaboration will provide a boost to our efforts on leveraging nanotechnology for the enhancement of both the standard and quality of life, especially the masses at the bottom of the pyramid.

The various topics that are addressed in the 2nd Bangalore Nano 2008 are - Nano Biotechnology Health & Pharma industry & manufacturing, Nano food & agriculture, Chemicals & Nano materials, ICT & Electronics Energy, Environment & Greentech. A panel discussion will also be held on Nano Vision & Nano Mission. A special program for children "Nano for the Young" is being organized on December 12, 2008.

The 2nd Bangalore Nano 2008 features a Poster Session, where-in young Scientists and Researchers are given the opportunity to share their Innovations and Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology with the Industry, Research Institutes and Venture Capitalists. About 75 posters from IITs, NITs, Michigan Technological University, CSIR, NCBS, IISc, JNCASR, AIIMS, etc. are presented during the event.

Prof. C.N.R. Rao, conducted a special session “Nano for the Young”, which was attended by over three hundred plus students, professors and young scientists from leading colleges like, Mount Carmel, JNC, Acharya P S, MVJ Medical, Dayanand Sagar, GKVK to name a few. A Two CD multimedia presentation on Nanotechnology called “NanoWorld” was also released and distributed to all the participants.